Her Comics Show Others Like Her That It's OK To Be Shy

"I hope my comics will reach other shy people and show them that they're not alone in their struggle."

Rather than hide her shyness, one girl named Jenny Hefczyc chose to channel her emotions into art in such a way that could help others like her.

In a collection of comics calledOn Being Shy, Hefczyc articulates what it's like growing up as a shy person. In one illustration, for example, Hefczyc shows how she mentally prepares for when her teacher takes attendance at school. In another, Hefczyc shows how reluctant she is to ask for a snack at a friend's house, despite being "starving."

"I always liked the idea of using my art for something meaningful, so I started making little comics about all kinds of struggles people can relate to," Hefczyc tells A Plus in an email. "When I was a shy kid, I always felt like people would think the wrong thing about me because I was talking so little. Hence, I hope my comics will reach other shy people and show them that they're not alone in their struggle, and maybe even raise some awareness so that the non-shy people might understand us better."

"When you're a person who struggles to interact with people, art can be a way to develop a connection to the world around you. I had to remember many things from my childhood and reflect a lot about myself in order to make these comics 'relatable' and authentic. I think it helped in some way or another."

Hefczyc also shares a few other tips she's used to help herself. For example, she makes it a point to speak to people she doesn't know to build her confidence.

"Engage in dialogues at school or at work. Just keep talking," she says, and it can help build a habit.

"What helped me as well was accepting that I am, indeed, a rather shy person. I am not babbling stuff all the time — I only talk when I actually have something to say."

And perhaps most importantly, Hefczyc wants other people to know that it's OK to be shy; there's no shame in being an introvert, she says.

In fact, Happify reports that anywhere from one third to a half of the population identifies as introverts. And there are plenty of ways introverts can lead happy, successful lives. Many introverts are great listeners, able to maintain deep friendships, highly focused, self-sufficient, and more. And being talkative, adventurous, and active can help introverts step outside of themselves without changing who they are.

"You don't have to be a loud person to make an impact in this world. Abraham Lincoln was described as a quiet person, so were Rosa Parks and Dr. Seuss. People underestimate the strength that silence can have," Hefczyc says.